Adequate intake of some vitamins and minerals (found in fruits, vegetables and other foods) may protect against certain cancers. Low levels of vitamins A and C increase the risk for cancers of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, prostate, bladder and lung. Low levels of selenium also may increase the risk of skin and other cancers.
    Eating preserved foods, especially smoked or nitrate-cured meats, increases the risk for cancers of the esophagus and stomach.
    Even the way food is cooked may increase cancer risk. Cancer-causing substances may be formed when meat, poultry and fish are cooked at very high temperatures.

Exposure to Environmental Carcinogens  Exposure in the workplace to cancer-causing chemicals such as coal-tar-based products, benzene, cadmium, uranium, asbestos or nickel can greatly increase the risk of developing cancer. Carcinogens are also showing up in the air, water and soil. Excessive exposure to radon in homes and other buildings with poor ventilation may increase the risk of lung cancer, especially in smokers.

Exposure to Sunlight  On sunny and even cloudy days, intense amounts of ultraviolet rays may affect your skin. With the thinning of the protective ozone layer, these rays are becoming even more intense and more dangerous. Excessive exposure to sunshine can cause sunburn, wrinkles, premature skin aging and leathery or rough skin. Cumulative sun exposure can also produce skin cancers such as basal and squamous cell carcinomas.